Tips for revisional antireflux surgery

Failure of antireflux operations is a vexing problem with many varieties. It is important that the surgeon caring for these patients approach their decision making with care. Although there are many types of failures, this article aimed to address 4 main types: recurrent heartburn, postoperative dysphagia, "recurrent" hiatal hernia, and postoperative bloating.

This article will outline my personal experience and approach to patients with these postoperative problems after antireflux surgery. This is based on more than 30 years of experience and a focused study of antireflux and hiatal hernia surgery.

The main takeaway points are that each failure is its own unique problem and needs to be approached in an individualized manner. Recurrent heartburn requires a thorough evaluation to ensure that it is caused by pathologic reflux. If operation is warranted, the choice of operation needs to be individualized. Postoperative dysphagia is often related to poor preoperative evaluation. Correction may be as simple as dilation, but frequently reoperation is necessary. "Recurrent" hiatal hernia may not be recurrence at all, but merely disease progression. The approach needs to include reducing the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient and increasing the tensile strength of the hiatal tissue. Finally, postoperative bloating can have many causes. If caused by delayed gastric emptying, a pyloric drainage procedure may help.

Antireflux surgery failure is a protean, but individual, problem. The surgeon caring for these patients needs to have a large toolbox of skills and techniques for optimal outcomes.